Jeffrey Ditchfield was last night proposing to open the coffee shop in Rhyl, against the law, and he said he was prepared to argue his case in court.

But the plan prompted fierce opposition in the seaside town.

North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom, who recently argued the possibility of legalising drugs, said bluntly: "This would be illegal. The law would be enforced as it stands."

Mr Ditchfield claimed the people of the town would support the opening of his coffee shop, which he intended to run as a non-profit organisation.

He said: "I appreciate the police have a duty to uphold the law and realise that just one complaint to Rhyl police station would lead to a visit from officers. It is likely that the cannabis on the premises will be confiscated and I could be arrested.

"But I will not accept a caution and will plead not guilty in court and will force a trial by jury.

"The case will be lengthy and costly and very high-profile. It could cost around #250,000 which would be better spent on health care."

The 41-year-old semi-retired businessman insisted he was not a user of cannabis and did not want to go to prison.

"I do not want to become a martyr but I have friends who smoke the drug and have seen the benefits they get from it," he said. "I have been to Amsterdam many times and they have the lowest rate of drug abuse in Europe.

"I believe the people of Rhyl will support the opening of the coffee shop. There is a need for a coffee shop in every town in North Wales."

Genuine medicinal users of cannabis, he said, would be offered the drug free of charge. Recreational users of the drug would be able to buy small quantities in the cafe.

"The cafe would operate as a non-profit organisation with all profits donated to local community projects within Rhyl," he said. "This would effectively take money from drug dealers and use it for the good of the community."

Two premises in Rhyl town centre have already been earmarked by Mr Ditchfield and the cafe could open by early spring.

He would not reveal the location of the premises as leases have not been signed, but indicated they were not currently in use as cafes.

Mr Ditchfield would not reveal where he would source his supplies of cannabis, but said supplies for medical use had been promised to him by growers free of charge.

"I expect demand to outstrip supply," said Mr Ditchfield.

Clwyd West MP Gareth Thomas, who criticised the Chief Constable's remarks after his call for a study into legalising drugs, said: "This is illegal under present law and clearly it is a non-starter.

"I am a supporter of trials into the medical benefits of cannabis and these are ongoing," he said. "But I cannot envisage any use of cannabis being allowed other than under strict medical supervision."

Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones said she was also opposed to the coffee shop plan.

A Home Office spokeswoman said the Government was considering reclassifying cannabis as a Class C drug.

"Even if it is re-classified, possession of the drug will still be illegal," she said.